In a clear and uncompromising message, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has stated that veteran midfielder Themba Zwane’s place in the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is in serious jeopardy unless he regains his starting position at Mamelodi Sundowns in the immediate future.
The Belgian coach’s comments have sent ripples through the South African football community, placing a direct spotlight on the 34-year-old playmaker’s club situation. Zwane, a key figure in Broos’ rebuilt squad and one of the standout performers at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, has recently found his playing time at Sundowns limited.
A Firm Deadline for Fitness and Form
Broos, known for his principled and often ruthless selection policy, did not mince his words when outlining his stance.
“My philosophy is clear: I select players who are playing for their clubs,” Broos stated emphatically. “If you are not playing for your club, you cannot be with the national team. It’s a simple rule. For Themba, the situation is critical. He is not playing for Sundowns. If he will not play in the next two weeks, we have to forget him.”
The coach elaborated on the specific challenges a lack of game time poses for a tournament, highlighting that it’s not merely a matter of principle but one of practical necessity.
“A player who is not playing for two, three months, and then you take him for AFCON, you know it will be difficult,” Broos explained. “He will not be ready. I think for AFCON, it will be difficult for Themba, very difficult. We need players who are at 100% physically, and you can only get that by playing competitive matches.”
A Veteran’s Crossroads
This ultimatum presents a significant crossroads in Zwane’s international career. His elegant creativity and experience were instrumental in Bafana’s run to a bronze medal in the last AFCON, and many saw him as a vital leadership figure for the 2025 campaign. However, with the intense competition for places at a club like Sundowns, breaking back into the starting eleven is a formidable challenge.
Broos’ comments suggest a growing sense of urgency as he begins his long-term planning for the tournament. He acknowledges Zwane’s past contributions but insists that sentiment cannot override the demands of high-level international football.
“Themba was fantastic for us in Ivory Coast; he showed his quality,” Broos conceded. “But that was months ago. Football moves quickly. We are building for the future, and we need players who are active and sharp. The door is not closed, but it is closing. The next two weeks are crucial for him.”
The situation leaves Zwane with a clear mission: force his way back into the plans of Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena or face the very real possibility of watching the 2025 AFCON from home, a stark outcome for a player who so recently was a national hero.
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